Annoying dealers at the $5 table

I am the consummate low-roller. I rarely play at any table that has a minimum bet of more than $5. Most of my gambling is at the sports book and poker room, but on occasion I do like to relax at a Three Card poker or pai gow table and have a couple of cocktails.

My issue is that the dealers are constantly pimping the side bets. I completely understand that the casino pressures the dealers to do this. At a table full of $5 bettors playing at only a 2%-4% disadvantage, they are probably losing money. Some dealers have gotten so obnoxious about this that I walked away frustrated and annoyed. And THAT'S no way to spend your time in Vegas.

I toke the dealers every other orbit or so with a $5 bet and tell them I'm not interested in side bets, and still get the comments when a side bet would have won.

I'm considering explicitly telling the dealer "Look, I'm not making side bets, but I will toke you every two orbits if you don't try to promote those wagers to me. Otherwise, I'll just sit here, taking up space, continue my flat bets and NOT toke you."

I know another option is to just ignore the dealer comments, but that's tough for me. Any thoughts on whether this would work? Any other options? Thanks for all replies.

Yes......I have a definite thought to share with you. A gambling joint is just that. If you are going to play craps just desensitize to their selling side bets. It is part of them running business for the casino...As far as giving an ultimatum to the dealer..........Fagetabout it!!!!!!!!! Learn to get a laugh out of their hawking those bets ......The world won't stop spinning if you even make one or 2 every now and then........
With a spouse or good friend one can communicate a difference but a casino is not the place to waste your energy.
I remember years ago going into Radio Shack to make a purchase and mentioning that it bugs me when they ask for my phone number and personal information......After my sale was rung up the salesman......Without flinching asked for my information>>>The same as what you talk about at the Craps table...............SO just be a big boy and play the game and enjoy yourself. I hope my letter helps you out.
You can even have some fun...........You can say back.............OHHHHHHH your good where did you learn to hawk....at Ringling Brothers>>>>>>Transform I gave you one of mine even though I don't play craps anymore........You can even come up with a few playful ones of your own ......just don't get nasty

I would not sass a dealer in the manner you are considering.

But the next it happens, politely but emphatically say "No thanks, I don't do side bets ever."

If the dealer persists, leave the table and speak to a pit supervisor, describe the exact behavior (and the dealer's name) and how it is causing you to leave. I can tell you for certain that player complaints against dealers are recorded and a certain number can result in sanctions against the dealer if management chooses. They want you gambling at their place, not walking because of dealer behavior.

But I will say this, and I don't mean to hurt your feelings. In my experience, other players, and sometimes the dealer, often chime on the "Ohhhhh" chorus when cards turn up that would have paid a nice side bet and the player didn't choose to make one on that hand. Mostly that stuff is meant as good natured sympathy toward the player, as well as just amazement that, for example, four of a kind was dealt in blackjack switch, which doesn't happen often. And mostly the player takes it good naturedly. It isn't worth getting in a big twist about.

I've never experienced what you're describing.

I've certainly seen dealers remind players about side bets on occasion. But I've always interpreted it as a friendly reminder, nothing more, certainly not a timeshare-esque sales pitch.

Casinos are built on bad players. And a lot of bad players like the extra action side bets provide. And if a bad player forgets to make his or her usual side bet, and if a particular hand of cards fall such that the side bet would have paid big had it been bet, the bad player may get pretty upset.

So when I see a dealer remind a player about a side bet, I think they're mostly trying to prevent a potential bad player from becoming upset.

Also, don't overestimate dealers' knowledge of the statistics underlying the games they deal. A lot of them are just mechanics with no idea of the math involved.

I agree 100% with chilcoot's post especially the 1st line.
I have spent countless hours at a craps table playing thru multiple strategies over the years. It has been my experience that once a craps dealer figures out what system I was trying to use (they have seen them all), they would remind me of a bet that I had forgot to make but never pushed me to make a bet.

weggie

Thanks for all replies. I'm probably just being overly-sensitive. I think I'll just start ignoring any obnoxious comments.

You say you do tip the dealer once and a while during your play. Instead of tipping the dealer straight up put up the tip on the side bet see how he likes that. You can do it two ways. Just declare the side bet as his tip or put one of your own on the side bet and then cap it with a small bet for the dealer. Then when it loses you can comment on it. Just a thought. Although if the stars do align and you win a big amount on the side bet you might have to take some out for your taxes before you give him his share.

haha that's a good idea raaj

Matt, I'd just try to be more thick-skinned. I'm plenty used to dealers making stupid suggestions, although usually 80 to 90% of the really stupid ones come from the other players. Sometimes I'll ignore them, sometimes I'll do a broken-record, "thanks, but I don't think I'm going to do that," sometimes I'll use it as an excuse to look like a dumb, superstitious player to avoid heat ("I'm not going to bet that side bet because the last three cards were red...").

You say that you toke "every other orbit." Does that mean every two hands? If so, you're seriously overtoking.

No, by orbit I meant at a full table. And that's only before the dealer starts being a jerk.

Probably need to work on the thick-skinned part tho.....